Neuromuscular Dentistry

Mississauga, Ontario, Canada

What is Neuromuscular Dentistry?
The field of neuromuscular dentistry uses cutting-edge technology to adjust a patient’s bite and jaw position. The goal of neuromuscular dentistry is to improve the relationship between jaw, neck and head muscles in order to achieve a unified balance among all of these important “mechanical” parts.

Neuromuscular Dentistry and TMD

Most neuromuscular dentists are highly skilled at resolving the symptoms of temporomandibular joint disorder (TMD).

This condition can cause chronic pain and other issues, including:

• Recurring headaches
• Jaw, neck and ear pain
• Clicking and popping noises in the jaw
• Muscle spasms
• Stiffness in the jaw and neck
• Dizziness
• Sinus issues
• Teeth grinding and clenching
• Chipped, cracked and worn-down teeth

To diagnose TMD, your neuromuscular dentist may use advanced tracking and measuring equipment to record jaw movement, positioning, and path to closure. Your neuromuscular dentist will use that data to then determine your optimal jaw position, and he will work to reposition your jaw and adjust your bite to solve your misalignment problems.

Other steps your neuromuscular dentist may take include:

• Using muscle relaxation tactics to ease jaw, neck and facial pain. Some dentists use a technology called ULF-TENS, or ultra low frequency transcutaneous electrical neural stimulation, to gently massage muscles and ligaments. Stress management/relaxation techniques, prescription medications, or pressure-point injections may also be recommended.
• Recommending a temporary mouthguard. This will help prevent any further damage to your teeth from clenching or grinding.
• Temporarily stabilizing the “bad bite.” This usually involves fitting the patient with a temporary, plastic orthotic. The device is easily adjusted by your dentist and can provide short-term relief and repositioning of the jaw to its optimal position.
• Developing a long-term treatment plan. To permanently affect and correct the balance of the jaw joints, muscles, nerves, and ligaments for an improved bite, your dentist may recommend a long-term treatment plan that could include dental restorations or orthodontic options.

Benefits of Neuromuscular Dentistry

Patients who are treated with neuromuscular dentistry often experience serious pain relief, longer-lasting teeth and dental restorations, and improved overall health and quality of life.

If you think you may suffer from TMD, please contact our Ontario neuromuscular dentists at Willow Dental Associates today to schedule a consultation. We serve patients in Mississauga, Ontario.